J.J. Abrams might have taken over Michael Arndt's "Star Wars Episode 7" script in order to fit two big names into the cast.
According to MarketSaw, the movie blog that broke the news of three more additions to the "Star Wars" franchise, Benedict Cumberbatch and Gary Oldman were up for the same role in the upcoming film. However, the rewrites in the script could mean Abrams might have been able to fit both actors into the film.
"I believe Cumberbatch and Oldman were pursued for the same role, but I don't know how that will work out with the script changes, but I'm told they are both involved," MarketSaw reports.
In addition to the casting scoop, MarketSaw reports "Star Wars Episode 7" has locked down the film's plot:
"Ultimately it's about twins, and which will take a path towards darkness and which will follow in their father's footsteps, or at least that is what it used to be, that may come later as I think changes are being undertaken to bring the original cast into the forefront of the story leading to ramifications that lead up to the next generation of Skywalkers."
"Star Wars Episode 7" has not confirmed any plot or casting news. The film will be released to theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.
In other "Star Wars" casting news, "Thor" actor Tom Hiddleston recently shot down rumors he was associated with the film in an interview with Timeout London.
"Well, that hasn't happened yet. It'd be very flattering, of course. I did talk to Ewan about it once," the actor told Timeout. "When they asked if he wanted to be Obi-Wan Kenobi he said: 'Are you joking? Of course!' But his experience didn't live up to the promise. Besides, I imagine they're looking for people who don't have an association elsewhere. The audience need to believe in the character, rather than saying, 'Oh look, Loki with a lightsaber!'"
